Dickens, Charles
(1812–70) a British writer whose novels made him the most popular British writer of the 19th century, and are still very popular today. His books contain humorous characters with unusual names, many of whom have become very well known. But they also show how hard life was in Victorian England, especially for poor people and children. His books include David Copperfield, Oliver Twist, Great Expectations, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities, and The Pickwick Papers.

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

dick‧ens /ˈdɪkənz, ˈdɪkɪnz/ noun spoken old-fashioned
[Date: 1500-1600; Origin: Perhaps from the name Dickens]

1. what/who/where the dickens ...? used when asking a question to show that you are very surprised or angry:
What the dickens is the matter with her?

2. as pretty/smart etc as the dickens American English very pretty, clever etc:
Isn’t she as cute as the dickens!

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲